How to choose the right kendama?
We regularly receive requests for information from players who want to know " how to choose the right kendama ". Here is a buying guide detailing the points and features that we think are important to look at before buying your first kendama!
The kendama is a toy that may seem simple but it keeps a few secrets, among them, here are some important ones to identify to be sure to please you!
The type of wood
Several varieties and species of wood are used in the manufacture of kendamas. The most used is Beech but many other woods exist such as Ash, Bamboo, Walnut, Maple, Oak or Mahogany. In short, the choice of wood is a factor which is important and which will intervene on various points:
- The visual aspect: Each wood has its own unique essence. On this point, your eyes will guide you! Be careful, however, some people sometimes complain about kendamas with too light woods that get dirty too quickly.
- The hook: Beech offers a so-called versatile grip and it deforms quickly after several hours of play. Ash or Oak offers a rather rough / rough feeling in the hand and grips better than beech. Hornbeam or Maple are denser and smoother, providing less grip but more lasting.
- The weight of the kendama: Some woods are heavier than others. Remember to check the weight of the kendama in our product sheets. Heavy wood is often a sign of density, resistance and longevity.
- Its resistance: A kendama is a toy that gets old, and that's normal! However, the quality of the wood has a lot to do with its aging. A good kendama is made in hard woods (oak, ash, hornbeam, maple) or semi-hard like walnut and beech. This avoids too rapid aging due to shocks!
The weight of the kendama
The weight of the kendama is an important characteristic to look at before choosing your kendama. Indeed, the weight has a particular importance in the feeling of play and in the pleasure of playing. Overall, a kendama weighs between 130 and 180 g. The gap may seem small but the difference is huge!
For us, it's a very subjective subject and everyone has their own opinion on what is best. Some will prefer a 'heavy' kendama while others will prefer a light one. The best is therefore to test in order to know what you prefer... Or even better to have a light and a heavy one to be able to vary according to the tricks that you are working on!
What we can say, however, is that it is important to avoid kendamas that are too light because they are a sign of poor quality. Also, it is important to look at the weight of the tama and that of the ken in order to ensure that the difference is small and to have a "balanced" kendama. Models rated “weight match” at Krom guarantee a low weight difference. All models Nativ Kendama are also systematically balanced.
Again, it's up to everyone to try out different models / brands while checking the weight of each part to find their favorite balance! The weight of each of our kendamas is specified in the product sheet, for this, simply go to the “additional information” tab.
The coating of the tama (the ball)
The coating of the tama is one of the most technical elements of the kendama, we then speak of varnish (often called “clear”). This is why brands work with importance on this point and offer different variants in order to differentiate themselves. The coating, and we are not talking about color here, is indeed a key element that will play on the discovery of kendama and the progress of the player! The varnishes are always specified on each of the product sheets in our online store.
Paints with varnish : Rubber, Sticky, Cushion or Rhino are the great classics of kendama. Indeed for beginners but also for all players they have an obvious character: ease. The ball adheres more simply and this type of varnish is perfect for quickly discovering the joys of new uses such as that of tama grip (tama in hand). The differences between varnishes are subjective, however whatever the brand, the Sticky clear is often the most present because the most appreciated.
Natural: Bare wood is an undeniable comfort which, depending on the type of wood, makes the kendama more or less easy to use. What is certain is that some kendamas age better over time than the others. Quite simply because the "pocs" on the tama are less visible and because the aging of the wood gives the tama a grip that is obtained by hours of practice. In short, kendamas that we keep for a long time and that we love more and more!
Beyond the material used, the selection of its kendama also obviously goes through the color and the patterns of the tama. A kendama is above all an object with a design that we appreciate! Think all the same about the visibility of the hole of the tama. Some patterns make the visibility of the hole complicated while other kendamas have a design that facilitates playability (horizontal stripes, scopeline, shades of colors, etc.)
If it was necessary to conclude?
It seems that a good kendama for beginners is rather heavy than light, with the presence of a mark around the hole (type scopeline) and with an eye-catching varnish. The primary goal being that you please don't stumble over these details. With willpower and practice, some factors become less important with practice.
At Kendama France, we only distribute brands known for their qualities, some of which have been approved by the JKA. So you will never be disappointed with the kendamas present in our shop.
Our advice from practitioners: Do not be tempted by cheap kendamas available in supermarkets or on questionable sites, they regularly disappoint many amateurs because they often have design flaws (size, appearance, weight, color) and are made of very low end.
We hope that these tips have enlightened you and if you ever want to have personalized advice, do not hesitate to contact us by email: contact@kendama-france.com!